Coronavirus Japan Update: Renowned Comedian Ken Shimura Dies Of COVID-19 At 70

KEY POINTS

Shimura was hospitalized with pneumonia-like symptoms on March 20 and his report came back positive on March 23
His agency confirmed his death on Monday
Shimura started his career as a comedian by joining the popular comedy group Drifters in 1974

Famed Japanese comedian Ken Shimura died due to complications from the coronavirus Sunday. Shimura, whose case was the first known celebrity death in Japan, was 70 years old.

Shimura had an illustrious career as a comedian dating back to the 1970s. His death has sent shockwaves among a wide plethora of his fans. His agency, Izawa Office, broke the news of his death on Monday, local daily The Japan Times reported.

Shimura was hospitalized with pneumonia-like symptoms on March 20 and his report came back positive for the coronavirus on March 23.

“I don’t think he imagined he would die a death like this,” representative at the veteran comedian’s agency, said. “I am sure he was working hard with a sense of mission to deliver laughter to people.”

Shimura, regarded as “Japan’s Robin Williams,” joined the comedy group Drifters, a household name in the country during 70s to early 80s, in 1974 and started his career since. He garnered widespread popularity in his nation for his “Moustache Dance” reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin.

As many as 1,866 cases have been reported in Japan as of Monday, with 54 total deaths, according to Johns Hopkins website.